If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in Des Moines, you should also be considering your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how capable your air conditioner is at changing electricity into cooled air. A bigger number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical bills.

However, there are a lot of different models to choose from for air conditioners. And a higher SEER number typically is accompanied by a higher price tag. So, how can you determine which one is right for your residence?

At Heartland Heating & Cooling, we offer a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can get one by contacting us at 515-344-3579. Our skilled air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you pick the right air conditioner for your home. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

For the time being, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can affect your family’s comfort. And your electric bills.

Does SEER Rating Really Matter?

In 2016, the federal government made new SEER guidelines. New air conditioners are mandated at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can check the sticker on the system outside your residence. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can reach us at 515-344-3579 for help.

If your air conditioner was replaced prior to that time, it’s probably much less efficient. Cooling technology has quickly changed in the past several years, with big developments in energy efficiency and smart home compatibility. Connecting your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you spend less on electrical expenses, since the thermostat can intuitively adjust your temperature settings when you’re out.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, adding a 14-SEER system could save you close to 30–50% on annual air conditioning expenses. Your savings depend on your air conditioner size and your thermostat settings.

Is the Higher the SEER the Better?

An air conditioner with a better SEER rating will be more efficient at converting electricity for cooling. The most efficient ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, include ENERGY STAR® certification. This endorsement means the air conditioner has achieved EPA requirements for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are frequently more expensive, you’ll generally get the difference returned over the years through cheaper electric bills. These air conditioners, which are typically rated 16 SEER and greater, consume about 8% less energy than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner can run at varying speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your energy costs reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can operate for longer without consuming a lot more power.

When installing a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll have to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner depends on this system’s blower to send cool air around your home. Furnaces only last for around 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re prepared to replace your air conditioner, the cooling pros at Heartland Heating & Cooling are ready to support you. Reach us at 515-344-3579 to schedule your free home comfort analysis today.